AI Leadership Forum Set for Addis Ababa

An Artificial Intelligence (AI) Leadership Forum is scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in collaboration with ALX and the Africa Fintech Summit (AFTS). The event will be held at the ALX Capstone Tech Hub in Lideta, coinciding with the African Union Summit Week.

The forum aims to advance dialogue on Africa’s role in the evolving global AI economy and address the need to shape, govern, and adopt AI across the continent.

The African Union’s AI Strategy

The forum’s timing aligns with the African Union’s Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy, endorsed in July 2024. This strategy, titled “Harnessing AI for Africa’s Development and Prosperity,” positions AI as a tool to advance Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. The strategy is built on five pillars: maximizing socio-economic benefits in key sectors, building continental capabilities, minimizing risks, stimulating investment, and fostering regional and international cooperation.

Following the strategy’s endorsement, at least 15 African countries, including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, and Namibia, have published national AI strategies. These initiatives prioritize ethical governance, talent development, and sector-specific applications.

Forum Focus and Keynote

The Addis AI Forum, themed “Talent, Infrastructure, and Opportunity in Africa,” will explore Africa’s position in the global AI ecosystem. The program includes a keynote and fireside chat with Emmanuel Lubanzadio, Africa Lead at OpenAI. Discussions will center on translating AI leadership into practical pathways for adoption, capacity building, infrastructure development, and policy across African markets.

The forum will focus on four key areas: Africa’s role in the global AI landscape, talent, language, and cultural representation in AI systems, compute, energy, data, and infrastructure as competitive advantages, and policy, regulation, and readiness for an AI-first decade.

OpenAI’s Commitment and Talent Development

OpenAI has demonstrated a commitment to the continent through the launch of the OpenAI Academy in Lagos last year. Emmanuel Lubanzadio emphasized the importance of ensuring African problem-solvers have the tools to turn ideas into impact and that AI reflects African voices and priorities.

ALX, focused on training young Africans for digital careers, highlights the urgency of early investment in talent. Sand Technologies (ALX) aims to prepare learners to build, apply, and govern AI. The Africa Fintech Summit emphasizes that AI is inseparable from inclusion and long-term competitiveness, advocating for a “triple action” approach combining infrastructure investment, smart regulation, and trust-building.

Drawing Parallels and Participation

Organizers suggest parallels between AI and mobile money, arguing that AI presents a similar opportunity for Africa to create globally relevant solutions. Policymakers, educators, and builders can apply to attend the forum through the Africa Fintech Summit platform, with options for both in-person and virtual participation.